List your tool

Head to head · 2026

Pencil vs Smartly.io

Pricing, free plans, ratings, features, pros and cons, side by side. Where one comes out ahead, we mark it.

Pencil

Routes creative work across five different AI models, not just one

4.1$119/mo

Visit Pencil (opens Pencil in a new tab)

Smartly.io

A Finnish enterprise platform spanning creative and media buying together

4.3Not listed

Visit Smartly.io (opens Smartly.io in a new tab)

Who comes out ahead

Based only on the facts in our directory. The right pick still depends on the job you need done.

  • Lower starting price

    Not comparable

    Not comparable: Smartly.io does not list a price

  • Free plan

    Tie

    Neither has one

  • Higher rating

    Smartly.io

    4.1 against 4.3

  • Same job?

    Yes

    Both are Marketing tools

Side by side

Compared onPencilSmartly.io
Our rating4.14.3Better
Starts at$119/moNot listed
Free planNoNo
CategoryMarketingMarketing
PlansFrom $119/mo
  • Smartly platformQuote only
Key features
  • Orchestrates multiple AI models (OpenAI, Google, Adobe, Runway, Bria)
  • SOC 2 Type II certification and regional data compliance
  • No-train policy and full IP indemnification
  • No self-serve free tier
  • Reported enterprise results including a 79% ROAS improvement for Diageo
  • Combined ad creative production and programmatic media buying
  • Coverage across Meta, TikTok, Snap, Pinterest, and Display & Video 360
  • Built for genuinely large enterprise ad spend
  • No self-serve free tier
  • Operating since 2013
Pros
  • Multi-model access avoids being locked into one provider's limitations
  • Genuine enterprise-grade compliance and IP protection built in
  • Documented, quantified results from large, named enterprise customers
  • Broad channel coverage beyond just Meta-specific competitors
  • Combines creative and media buying in one connected workflow
  • Long operating history at genuine enterprise scale
Cons
  • Among the highest prices in this category
  • No free tier to test before a significant commitment
  • Governance layer is built for large enterprises, not smaller teams
  • No free tier or transparent self-serve pricing
  • Built for large enterprise budgets, not small business needs
  • Enterprise sales process required to evaluate
CompanyPencil, founded 2018Smartly.io Solutions Oy, founded 2013

Prices come from each vendor's pricing page, last checked 20260629. Check the vendor before you buy.

FAQ

Questions people ask

Is Pencil better than Smartly.io?

In our reviews Pencil scores 4.1 and Smartly.io scores 4.3. The better pick depends on the job. Pencil: Routes creative work across five different AI models, not just one. Smartly.io: A Finnish enterprise platform spanning creative and media buying together.

Which is cheaper, Pencil or Smartly.io?

Pencil: from $119/mo. Smartly.io: see pricing.

Do Pencil and Smartly.io have free plans?

Neither lists a free plan.

More comparisons

Pencil compared with

All Pencil alternatives

Smartly.io compared with

All Smartly.io alternatives